Central Eastside Together Announces 2024 Better Together Grant Awardees

Central Eastside Together (CET) is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Better Together Grant. This initiative is designed to enhance community by catalyzing events and projects that activate public space, increase foot traffic, and promote our unique district identity.

The Better Together Grant fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment by promoting arts and cultural events, public installations, and community-driven projects. By encouraging co-creation and highlighting the distinct character of the Central Eastside, these projects boost both economic growth and the neighborhood’s sense of place.

2024 Better Together Grant Awardees:

Milagro Eastside Muertos Celebration:

The 4th Annual Central Eastside Muertos Celebration has become a signature event, drawing foot traffic from the region and even out-of-town visitors. In partnership with Cargo, River City Bicycles, and Bar Botellon, Milagro matches Central Eastside Industrial Council (CEIC) member businesses with Latino artists to create altars in local stores. A map of the altars allows for self-guided tours, with an organized bike ride offering participants the chance to dress in costume and decorate their bikes for the occasion.

Portland Music Month:

Set for January 2025, Portland Music Month (PDXMM),  a project of MusicOregon, will feature the Central Eastside as a hub for live performances across local music venues. The initiative aims to develop new audiences for the district’s music scene by offering affordable concert tickets and engaging local hotels and restaurants in promoting bundled experiences for visitors and residents alike. In partnership with Lollipop Shoppe, Holocene, and Wayfinder Beer, the Central Eastside week will be January 19th-25th, 2025. 

These projects were selected by a committee–composed of Central Eastside business representatives–based on their alignment with CET’s vision to create public spaces that increase foot traffic and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. Each event must take place before June 30, 2025, and all awardees are required to acknowledge CET as the project’s funder by featuring the CET logo in promotional materials.

“We're excited by the ingenuity of all applicants, as well as the passion to invest in the prosperity and vibrancy of the Central Eastside,” said Brianna Woods, Director of Programs for CET. “I’m excited to see how these initiatives will not only highlight the diversity within the Central Eastside, but also build lasting partnerships that support the district’s growth.”

The second cycle of the Better Together Grant will take place in January 2025. More information can be found at https://centraleastsidetogether.org/grant as it becomes available. To learn more about the awarded projects, please contact Brianna Woods at brianna@ceic.cc.